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Media Release: City of Nelson Amends Traffic Bylaw

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2018

(Photo Credit: Rob Richardson)

City of Nelson amends Traffic Bylaw to encourage respectful behaviour and to prevent the obstruction of streets and sidewalks

Nelson, BC –Nelson City Council recently passed amendments to the Traffic Bylaw to include pedestrian regulations. The intent is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors in the downtown core. The new regulations will provide a more effective and immediate response to manage inappropriate behaviour on streets and sidewalks.

The regulations focus on unacceptable behaviour and apply to the broader community rather than specifically focussing on panhandling activity as originally introduced in 2016. These new regulations allow Bylaw and Police officers the ability issue bylaw notices (tickets) to individuals who are not in compliance with the regulations. But, as always, officers first educate and promote voluntary compliance through conversation and interaction with the public before the bylaw is enforced.

What is being done to educate people on the new pedestrian regulations?

Three full-time Bylaw Officers and one full-time Police Officer walk the downtown core daily and when necessary, educate people on what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour under the regulations. Eg. Obstructing doorways and entrances of store fronts.

Street Outreach workers connect with vulnerable people to provide support and resources, including information on City bylaws as they pertain to nuisance behaviour.

What can you do if you witness nuisance behaviour on public streets or sidewalks in Nelson?

Call 911 – Dispatchers are available 24/7 and will action your call to the appropriate agency.

The following amendments were adopted:

That the said Bylaw be amended by adding sections to Part 5 – PEDESTRIAN REGULATIONS as follows:

39. Sidewalks

A person or group of people may not obstruct or impede the convenient passage of any Pedestrian or vehicular traffic in a Street.

40. Street and Public Space Nuisances

(a) No person shall on a Street or in a Public Space:

urinate or defecate;

participate in a violent confrontation or struggle.

(b) No person shall on a Street or in a Public Space scream, shout, vocalize, swear or use insulting or obscene language so as to disturb the general peace and quiet of Persons in the neighbourhood or vicinity.